Friday, February 3, 2012

Exploring God's Creation



In our life/ homeschool this week:

Exploring God's Creation is one of our favorite
things to do as a family. This weekend the weather
was just right for a walk in the woods together.

There is something special about getting out into
nature with the family as a team - and taking a closer
look at the natural world around us.

That closer look is an important part of a
successful hike with the family.





The  "dreary trail" picture:   






For example - upon first glance - the trail here (the picture on the right labeled "dreary trial" )  is a bit
bland without much to offer in the way of scenery.

Bushes, tall brown grass, and a few weeds are all that
appear - until one takes a closer look.

                  "Look Smaller"


                "And Smaller Still"





"Open the eyes of your heart" 
When you do - you might even see this. . . .



I am inspired by: 

A little sweat bee on a "Brown Eyed Susan" 
(from the bottom right hand side of the "dreary trail" picture) 

As we stopped - took the time to look closely we found . . . . . 




Bright red berries from the "Brazilian Pepper Tree" bushes against a vivid blue sky
(this beauty also hiding in the original picture - upper center) 



Quietly - always on the lookout for wildlife - we walked on 
and found the Florida weed version of Queen Anne's Lace . . . . . .


. . . . . and these pretty little purple buds 


I am grateful for: 

It was a beautiful afternoon walk through the Florida scrub 
along the North side of Charlotte Harbor State Park
Enjoying the family time . . . . . 


As we stopped to take in the details 
and notice  little pops of color . . . . . 


along with various shapes scattered here and there across the landscape . . . . . 


To enjoy the way the sun glows round a plain brown weed 
to guess the age and count the rings of a cut limb . . . . .


we play and hide - in the tall tall grass . . . . . 


A family hike through the woods is all it takes 
to remind me . . . . . .



How awesome our Creator really is! 




Deuteronomy 3: 24 
"Oh Lord God, thou hast begun to show thy servant thy greatness, and thy mighty hand;
for what God is there in heaven or in earth, that can do according to thy works, 
and according to thy might?"




The miracles of His Creation are all around us! 

Why then do we fear?

Romans 8: 31 
"What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?"  

Take heart my friends - we are in good hands.

Psalm 55: 22
 "Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you; 
He will never let the righteous be shaken." 

We are righteous because of the blood of Christ, cleansed, pure and holy in His sight
White as snow - because of His GRACE!

Ephesians 2: 8
"For by grace are you saved through faith, and that not of yourselves,
 it is the gift of God" 



His assurance to carry our burdens  is repeated 
again in the New Testament - so I think He's pretty serious about it! 

I Peter 5: 7
"Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you." 





Matthew 6: 33
"Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; 
and all these things shall be added unto you" 

The more I seek after the things of God - the more I realize - it is His 
It's all His - my life is not my own and I am free NOT to worry 
NOT to stress - but to rest in His love 
safely covered by His wings of protection - wrapped in His arms! 


Colossians 3:15
"And let the peace of God rule in your hearts,
 to which you are called to one body; and be thankful " 

#1000 Gifts: 

150. One body and making connections 
151. Misty morning view of the first rays twinkling on the water 
152. Sun sparkling off of blond bobbing heads 
153. Casting cares, laying them down 
154. Peace that passes all understanding 
155. The tiny details in nature where I see the Master's hand 
156. Reminders of gratitude 
157. Opportunity to encourage
158. Sharing love 
159. Bright red berries against the bright blue sky 


Ephesians Banner Journey Through Ephesians

Ephesians 1: 18 
"Having the eyes of your heart enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which 
He has called you, what are the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints." 

It is this inheritance spoken of in this verse that enlightened the eyes of my heart 
this past week, and led to this post. He is so faithful! 

Homeschool Freebies: 

* I found this wonderful site - it's great free FL botany information 
   their pictures are far lovelier than mine: 

* Also- ideas for winter picnic's for those of you who live in a colder climate:

* Be sure to check out Moms Mustard Seeds to get your "reading assignment" for
   Freedom Friday and link to the online document "The Mayflower Compact" 

My 3 in 30 Goals:
1. Walk with the Lord- Well, I'm behind on my Ephesians study- but I'm still hanging in there and I'm getting a lot out of it - I am even taking notes, I've just not had time to type it out & put it on the blog - I have added some of the verses to posts where they fit though. I'm pleased with the input & growth I'm seeing in the boys - sharing with them not just Bible stories & verses, but talking about WHAT they mean to me & listening to WHAT they are "getting" out of our Bible time is really blessing me. God is good!!!
2. Health- well, I've not been as active as I'd planned to be, but I am drinking my water, cooking (no to-go food at all) and getting SOME exercise. There have been a couple of mild fronts that came through and they really give me a hard time with my joints- they are currently a tad swollen and feverish. #prayingforhealing
3. Blog- I'm so tickled about the upcoming conferences in March. God is opening doors and providing the way (through some loving and helpful bloggy friends) doing both ApologiaLive, and TeachThemDiligently - although they are homeschool convo's and not blog convo's - I believe they are a good fit for my blog and I am happy dancing about the prize/prizes I'll have to offer my awesome readers!!! Stay tuned for a couple of BIG surprises!

Linking with: 

 52 Photos Project   Mustard Seeds  Mustard Seeds    The Homeschool Mother's Journal  learning ALL the time!!

15 comments:

Jennifer said...

Beautiful post! I needed to read Psalm 55:22 again today. Thanks for including it just for me. ;)

MomLaur said...

you're beautiful momma! inside and out. You inspire me to seek more joy and the only reason I wish we lived in a warmer climate is because I see how much you enjoy more of the outdoors! Thanks for sharing these photos, I need to get out and take more pics!

Unknown said...

I love this - the photos and the way that you constantly encourage to beyond what is the big picture and see the smaller pieces that make up the big picture!

Unknown said...

Gorgeous - both your photos AND your words!

Rebecca said...

You just bless me....your writing and your photos...and I am just blessed by you and these verses!!! I'm thankful we have the freedom to openly share our faith....and friends like you to share it with!

Anonymous said...

I always love to visit your blog - you just have such a warm and loving spirit that comes out so much in your writing. Beautiful photos. We love to explore God's creation too--he really is the best artist!

Hyacynth said...

Kelli, these pictures of God's beautiful creations are so lovely! I adore the verses you wrote here, too.

Kristie said...

So beautifully put! I'm so glad to have stumbled upon your blog via HMJ. I am a new follower and look forward to your next post!

Tonya said...

Kelli, love your photos and your faithful words. You've inspired me to get outside more. We've had a rather dismal winter in terms of snow sports, but there is no reason not to go hiking, at least!

Happy Sunday to you, my friend!

Traci's Teaching Times said...

Stopping by from the HMJ, great words of encouragement through the scripture.
Most of the time people always tend to over look all of the small things in life. God counts eve n those things.

Unknown said...

WOW, beautiful pictures Kelli! Thanks for linking up and sharing our button. And you posted some great freebie links...checking them out and bookmarking them. Also, thanks for sharing Rebecca's Freedom Friday post! =) So glad to have met you and getting to know you!

Lisa Boyle said...

Beautiful! Your photos are stunning and I just love the verses. I am copying some of them down into my prayer journal! I am coming to visit from Red Oak Lane.
Many blessings,
Lisa

Anonymous said...

Thank you for linking up with Look! What We did!

My husband had to look over my shoulder on this one and admire your photos, then he read the words and said it was "just beautiful! Wow!"

Susan said...

Such gorgeous photos, and I love the message about looking smaller, and smaller still to find the beauty that is sometimes hiding amidst the dreary.

Stephanie said...

What a gorgeous post! I love all your pictures, and I find your joy in nature study, and the way it's intertwined with your faith, very inspiring.